UNICON 2026 Annual Workshop
What Does It Mean to Be Human?
People & AI — Learning and Working Together
July 16–17, 2026 • MIT Sloan, Cambridge, MA
Executive education is entering a new era—one where AI is reshaping not only how work gets done, but how people learn, lead, and connect. UNICON’s 2026 Annual Workshop brings our global community together at MIT Sloan’s new Executive Education facilities to explore the evolving role of humanity in a world increasingly shaped by digital and physical transformation.
This workshop is designed for executive education professionals across leadership, programme development, sales and marketing, and operations—anyone who wants (and needs) a clearer view of how AI is changing our world and our work.
Event details (at a glance)
- Dates: July 16–17, 2026
- Location: MIT Sloan Executive Education, One Memorial Drive, 2nd Floor – Building E66, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Registration fees: USD $715 for the first 40 registrants; USD $795 after that
- Open to: executive education professionals—leadership, programme development, sales and marketing, operations
What to expect
The UNICON 2026 Annual Workshop “What Does It Mean to Be Human?” explores the evolving role of humanity in a world increasingly shaped by digital and physical transformation. Together, we’ll examine the challenges and opportunities posed by AI through a series of dualities:
- Technologies accessible to experts vs everyone
- New and better ways to do work vs elimination of work altogether
- Efficiency and insight/depth on demand vs originality and creativity
And we’ll reflect on these questions:
- As individuals: How do we stay grounded, curious, and ethical?
- As leaders: How do we foster cultures of responsible innovation?
- As members of teams: How do we build trust and psychological safety in AI-augmented environments?
- As part of our institutions: How do we lead the way in shaping AI’s role in society?
MIT faculty speakers (subject to change)
- Paul Cheek — Senior Lecturer, Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management
- Paul McDonagh-Smith — Visiting Senior Lecturer
- Ben Shields — Senior Lecturer, Managerial Communication
- Shira Springer — Senior Lecturer, Managerial Communication
Draft agenda
Thursday, July 16 — Confronting what’s changing (and what endures) (8:00am–7:00pm)
- The Company of the Future
Are we ready for organisations where AI might not just collaborate, but actually lead? - Keeping the Human in the Loop
Can technology ever replace the human connection at the heart of real learning and growth? - Reimagining Learning Through Immersive Experience
How might engaging multiple senses help us design learning experiences that participants remember—and want to share? - Human–Machine Interaction: Past, Present, Future
How can we shape the future of learning and leadership as humans and machines become increasingly interconnected?
Friday, July 17 — Choosing how we respond (8:00am–1:00pm)
- Leading with Intention in the Age of AI
When should we slow down, question automation, and reclaim space for human judgement and agency? - New Times, New Teams
How must we evolve to thrive in a future where human creativity and AI intelligence must operate as one?
Final reflections: As you consider the intersection of AI, human connection, and meaningful learning, what new possibilities or challenges are emerging for you, your teams, or your clients?
Optional: MIT Campus Walking Tour (after 1:00pm) *schedule subject to change
Where to stay
MIT discount codes will be provided upon registration for the following hotels:
- Boston Marriott Cambridge — 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142 (8–10 min walk to E66)
- The Kendall — 350 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142 (12 min walk to E66)
- The Royal Sonesta Boston — 40 Edwin Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA 02142 (14 min walk to E66)
- Residence Inn by Boston Cambridge — 120 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142 (8–10 min walk to E66)
Contact
For questions about registration or payment: execed-registration@mit.edu
For any other questions: mit.unicon.support@mit.edu
Ready to join us at MIT? Register now and secure your spot.
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